Boitumelo Makgoba is a Thought Leader and Change Agent specializing in Data Science, Data Monetization, and Artificial Intelligence. Currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Hippocampus Education, Boitumelo oversees the integration of emerging technologies and data and analytics into educational practices.
Boitumelo Makgoba | Co-Founder and Chief Data Analytics Officer | Hippocampus Education
Boitumelo is globally recognized, having received numerous accolades including being named as one of the Top 10 most influential Tech Leaders to Follow in 2024, Top 50 Rising Motherland Mogul in Africa 2024, and Top 50 African Women in Development Award 2024, among others. Dedicated to championing female inclusion in the data science space, Boitumelo actively mentors and supports others. We, at EliteX, are honored to introduce Boitumelo Makgoba as one of the Impactful Businesswomen: Making a Difference, 2024.
Boitumelo’s journey in the industry began with a passion for innovation and technology, leading her to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Through continuous learning and hands-on experience, she specialized in data science, analytics, and AI. Motivated by a desire to solve problems and make a meaningful impact, Boitumelo pursued a career aligned with her interests in mathematics, science, and technology. She recognized the importance of fundamentals in her field and pursued further education, including a master’s in Data Science.
“Gender balance in senior management teams brings diverse perspectives, crucial for strategic decision-making in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.” – Boitumelo Makgoba
Maintaining a work-life balance in a high-profile position, Boitumelo prioritizes regular exercise and spending time with her family. Celebrating small wins and prioritizing tasks that have the most impact helps her strike a balance. As a woman in business, Boitumelo has faced gender biases and stereotypes. She overcame these challenges by advocating for herself, seeking mentorship, and demonstrating her capabilities through results. A key moment in Boitumelo’s career was implementing a data-driven strategy that optimized operational efficiency, contributing to industry advancements.
Fostering diversity and inclusion within her organization, Boitumelo emphasizes understanding individuals and creating a culture where everyone can thrive. She believes in defining clear strategies and missions that align with the company’s goals. In Boitumelo’s opinion, essential skills for women aiming to succeed in business today include resilience, adaptability, communication, and a strong foundation in their field of expertise. She encourages women to believe in themselves and embrace their unique stories and journeys.
“Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember that setbacks are just part of the journey.” – Boitumelo Makgoba
Boitumelo Makgoba stays updated on industry trends through continuous learning, networking, and attending relevant conferences and workshops. Her leadership style is driven by curiosity, empowering teams, and fostering collaboration. She advises aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders to invest in fundamentals, pursue their dreams passionately, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. In a rapidly changing business environment, Boitumelo approaches decision-making by staying flexible, weighing risks and benefits, and aligning choices with goals and values. She is currently involved in the Last Mile project, developing clustering models for targeted campaigns, driving revenue generation, and contributing to overall data strategy.
Boitumelo cultivates a positive work culture by promoting open communication, recognizing achievements, providing growth opportunities, and fostering collaboration. She believes setbacks are part of the journey and bounce back by learning from failures and seeking support.
Looking ahead, Boitumelo sees opportunities for women in business to leverage technology for market expansion and disruption. She emphasizes the importance of gender balance and diversity in senior management teams, citing the value of different decision-making processes and collaborative approaches.
“Investing in fundamentals is like building a high-quality set of tools that last a lifetime in your career journey.” – Boitumelo Makgoba
